Laptop Requirements

1. You buy a laptop, preferably an LCAD recommend laptop (see above), or use the laptop you already own if it meets our minimum requirements.

2. We provide Microsoft Office suite software for students. Each class syllabus will include a list of software that is required for that class.

3. We provide support for you through the IT Helpdesk, including troubleshooting, software installation, minor data recovery, virus removal and on-campus support.

Laptops go wherever you go and run professional software you will need. We know that students with laptops learn faster and perform better in college, capitalizing on your most valuable commodity: your time.

Your laptop is the primary computer you will use on campus, in specific courses, studios and open areas between classes.

Either you already own a laptop or you will need to purchase one.

If you need to buy a laptop, you have a variety of purchasing options with educational discounts. We recommend you take a look at our specific recommendation chart above to ensure it meets the minimum requirement.

If you are in the Game Art major (Undergrad or Graduate program) or if you plan to run Windows software, we strongly recommend you consider Windows PC options.

That's great! We recommend you take a look at our specific recommendation chart for the various recommended systems to ensure it meets the minimum requirement.

If you already have a laptop that is less than 3 years old, and meets the following minimum System Requirements:

• Intel Core i7 Processor (10th Gen or newer)
• 16 GB RAM or better
• 256GB SSD
• NVIDIA GeForce or Quadro Graphics, AMD Radeon Graphics

We recommend you use this computer for now, with the expectation of replacement in the future as the computer becomes too old for the required applications.

If you're not sure or have questions if your current laptop is compatible please email IT Helpdesk at support@lcad.edu with a screenshot of your current laptop specs and we will evaluate if it is applicable or not.

We might recommend you wait until the back to school specials are announced later in the summer. If you're buying a new laptop this September, please make sure you purchase AppleCare, RazerCare Essential or Asus Premium Care. If any warranties that offer protection from accidental damage, we recommend you purchase this warranty.

We can't say whether another brand laptop may or may not be a good deal or good hardware to use. We evaluate all the computers we recommend and listen carefully to each individual major. We keep in mind that you will have this computer for three to four years. We've seen a lot of cheap PC laptops that are hopelessly underpowered, poorly constructed and bad value for money overall, and we recommend you talk to the Helpdesk before buying a machine.

Surface Pro X

LCAD does not recommend the Surface Pro X.

Tablets

iPads and Android Tablets that don't run Adobe Creative Cloud.

Cintiq Companion

LCAD does not recommend the Cintiq companion.